Defining climate services

Climate services provide scientifically credible data, information and guidance to support climate-informed decision-making.[1-3] They serve a wide range of users, including elected officials, policy analysts, sector practitioners, engineers, farmers, urban planners, researchers, government agencies and members of the public.[4,5]

A few examples of climate services include[6]:

• Access to historical and future climate data
• Training and guidance on interpreting and using data and climate change information
• Support for building adaptation approaches and strategies and understanding and managing risks
• Knowledge transfer of complex climate-related subjects for different audiences
• Collaboration with experts in various fields

Climate services are distinct from weather forecasting services. Weather forecasts describe expected conditions over the coming hours, days or weeks, whereas climate services generally examine longer-term patterns and changes over periods of several decades. Some organizations provide both types of services, as well as seasonal and decadal predictions, to support decisions across the timescales relevant to their users.[7]

Who provides climate services in Canada?

In Canada, climate services are provided by a network of national and regional organizations. Regional climate service providers offer information, tools and guidance tailored to the needs of their regions, while working collaboratively with national coordination and support from the Canadian Centre for Climate Services (CCCS).  Established in 2018, the CCCS helps people across the country prepare for climate change and now plays an important role in enabling the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS).[10] Among the network of regional organizations, Ouranos is the longest standing with 25 years of experience, while the newest, ORCCA, was created in 2023.

Table 1: The five regional climate service providers supported by CCCS[11]

Figure title: Climate service providers supported by the CCCS in Canada

Together, these organizations help the CCCS fulfill its mandate to help Canadians increase their resilience to climate change. Part of this mandate includes contributing to the development of the ClimateData.ca portal. The partnership also promotes adaptation and ensures consistent messaging across the country through various trainings and conferences and supports Ouranos’ PAVICS virtual laboratory, which serves more advanced users of climate data. By pooling resources and expertise from multiple organizations, these climate service providers—and ultimately their users—benefit from a broader, more comprehensive network of climate science and adaptation knowledge.

Climate services are shaped by capacity, mandate and user needs

Organizations that provide climate services are not all the same. The products and services offered can range from climate data products to adaptation-focused services. They also differ in the level of knowledge transfer, communications and engagement that they do. It all depends on their mandate and the needs of their audiences.

Some climate service providers focus more on providing climate data.[3] They may develop climate projections tailored to the needs of a specific region or activity sector. Their scientific expertise is made available to users and they may also be involved with the larger scientific community to contribute to overall knowledge on climate change.

Other organizations that offer mainly adaptation services are more focused on how climate projections can be used to inform decision-making and increase resilience. They support, guide and train users in how to use tailored data products. This support is provided at different levels, such as during the co-development and implementation of adaptation plans, climate risk assessments, and in monitoring and evaluation phases.[8,9] Support can also include developing effective climate communication tools or  helping organizations find funding opportunities for adaptation projects.

Most importantly, climate services adapt to the geographical, demographic, and cultural realities of their users. Climate data and adaptation guidance are shaped by location-specific factors such as regional climate hazards, community capacity and resources, governance structures, and culturally-rooted ways of understanding and responding to climate risk. Grounding climate services in the lived experiences and priorities of their users ensures that they are not only scientifically robust, but also relevant, accessible, and practical.

Conclusion

Thanks to a collaborative network of regional providers working to support ClimateData.ca, Canadians can access knowledge and expertise from a large pool of experts to help make more informed decisions.

Climate services aren’t just about data; they’re about supporting and empowering people. By fostering collaboration, building capacity, and grounding decisions in science on one side and lived experience on the other, climate service providers help communities move from awareness to action. Their continued evolution and cooperation will be essential as Canada works toward a more resilient, climate‑ready future.